Doubting Thomas -
The impacts of the proposed Lower Churchill hydro project suddenly seem to be hitting closer to home.
Quebec thumbed its nose at the idea of allowing more hydroelectric power through its transmission lines last week.
Now Premier Williams is proposing taking the longer, more expensive route through the Maritimes in order to get the power to market. And such a route would likely come right past our front door.
On Thursday, Danny said the Maritime route was always his preferred route. He will be holding a conference call with the other Atlantic premiers this week.
Underwater cables would be a given in this plan. They would likely have to make the shortest jump possible between two points of land. That would be us and the Bay St. Lawrence area in Cape Breton.
Such a route would likely have to pass through Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Expect a stink to be raised there, just as it was in Gros Morne.
Perhaps we should start raising a stink of our own before things progress too far. Let's let the Premier know that giant transmission lines running the length of the Codroy Valley will not be acceptable. They're going to have to go on the far side of the mountains.
Transmission lines would be a blight on the landscape. As a photographer, I can attest to how often regular sized power poles and lines get in the way of a shot.
The natural beauty of the valley has a value that we can't really put a dollar on. Left as it is, it will remain a renewable resource. Our children's children will be able to enjoy and earn a living from the area.
The valley's reputation as a tourist destination is already growing. The International Appalachian Trail Association is working at extending trails through the area. The valley was named one of the top 10 winter attractions in Canada last January. More and more bird watching tours are coming to the valley. Cruise ships stop regularly. Slowly but surely, entrepreneurs are finding ways to cash in on all these visitors.
Nalcor Energy was holding public consultations along a proposed route that would take lines down the Northern Peninsula and towards the Avalon earlier this month. If a Maritime route becomes a reality, we can expect them to do the same here. They might not happen for years, but be ready for the consultations if and when they come.
reporter@gulfnews.ca
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